Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Schedule of Equity [Line Items]
Repurchase of Preferred Units from Aimco	$ (9,500)
Distributions to preferred units held by Aimco	(696)
Redemption of common OP Units	(2,921)
Amortization of Aimco stock-based compensation cost	1,753
Common OP Units issued to Aimco in connection with Aimco stock option exercises	21
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities	(44)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	132	(1,112)
Other	578
Net income	79,927
AIMCO PROPERTIES, L.P
Schedule of Equity [Line Items]
Balance, December 31, 2013	939,736
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	132	(1,112)
Balance, March 31, 2014	957,645
Partners Capital [Member] | AIMCO PROPERTIES, L.P
Schedule of Equity [Line Items]
Balance, December 31, 2013	939,736
Repurchase of Preferred Units from Aimco	(9,500)
Distributions to preferred units held by Aimco	(696)
Distributions to common units held by Aimco	(37,970)
Distributions to common units held by Limited Partners	(2,032)
Redemption of common OP Units	(2,921)
Amortization of Aimco stock-based compensation cost	1,753
Common OP Units issued to Aimco in connection with Aimco stock option exercises	21
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities	32
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	106
Other	578
Net income	68,538
Balance, March 31, 2014	$ 957,645